Designated Medical Provider (DMP)

All employers in North Dakota have the option of selecting a Designated Medical Provider (DMP) or group of physicians to provide medical treatment to workers who sustain work-related injuries.

If you have a question or concern regarding the Designated Medical Provider program, contact our Employer Services Department via email at
WSIDMP@nd.gov

Find and Interview a DMP

How to find a DMP:

The specialties most commonly used to treat injured workers are:

Family practice

Internal medicine

Neurosurgery or neurology

Occupational medicine

Physical medicine

Chiropractic

Orthopedic

Interviewing Candidates:

Your designated medical provider is an important member of the claims management
team. Take advantage of their expertise and availability. Once you’ve
identified potential candidates, ask them the following questions so you can
sense which candidate is more familiar with WSI and your business. During the
course of your discussion, other issues may be raised as a result of responses
received. Don’t be intimidated. Ask them any follow-up question you feel
is necessary.

What are your credentials?

Board certification is the most important credential. The board certification
most appropriate for providers dealing with work-related illnesses and injures
includes internal medicine, orthopedics, family practice, occupational medicine,
physical medicine, chiropractic, and orthopedic.

How many years of experience have you had in work-related medicine?

If experience is two years or less, be sure mentoring is available and ask
how they will work with their mentors.

How willing are you to communicate with other members of the claims management
team about work-related injury or illness?

Providers should be willing to give you detailed information, (i.e., diagnosis,
prognosis, and treatment plan) during the initial visit and after each follow
up visit in a timely manner.

What quality assurance activities exist within the clinic?

Inquire whether the clinic has protocols for the management of low back pain,
arm pain, or other common injuries. It’s hard to assure quality if a provider
recommends one type of treatment for a given injury one day and a different
type for the same injury the next day. Inquire whether the clinic will allow
an external audit. Any reluctance should raise a red flag.

Are you willing to work with chiropractors?

The answer should be yes. Injured workers should have access to these providers.

What is the provider's philosophy with on-the-job recovery?

Research indicates the cornerstone of disability prevention is allowing workers
to recover on the job. On the job recovery may require a change in job tasks
(transitional work) or work schedule. The expectation is to return to work in
their preinjury job with or without permanent restrictions.

Is the provider willing to come to your place of business to better understand
your operations?

Does the provider instill a positive attitude of cooperation and progression
toward recovery?

Does the provider know and understand Occupational Disability and Treatment
Guidelines (ODG)?

WSI chose WorkLoss Data Institute's Official Disability Guidelines - Treatment
in Workers Comp (ODG) as a resource to manage the treatment and disability
duration for workers compensation claims. ODG will enable WSI to use the latest
available medical evidence in making treatment decisions to improve outcomes
for workers injured on the job.